Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples
Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
The Promise of Heaven John 14: 1 -6 • The presence of someone that loves you is a comfort • The promise of heaven is a comfort when dealing with death • A promise must be actually true or the comfort received will be shattered by reality
The Promise of Heaven John 14: 1 -6 • There is no greater tragedy than having a false hope of heaven
Context • Jesus and His disciples are in an upper room celebrating Passover • Jesus has rebuked them for their pride and washed their feet as an example of humble service • Jesus predicted one of them would betray Him, but they still
Context • After Judas leaves, Jesus begins the Upper Room Discourse and establishes Communion - a memorial • Jesus begins the Upper Room Discourse with a new commandment to love as He had loved them
Jesus’ Comfort John 14: 1 -4 • The hearts of the disciples were troubled - and there were many reasons for them to be disturbed • The basis for them to obey the command to stop being troubled was their belief in Jesus and His promises
Belief in Jesus John 14: 1 • The disciples recognized Jesus’ identity as God in human flesh and so trusted Him as they did God
Preparing a Place John 14: 2 • The emphasis is that Jesus is preparing a place for them in the Father’s house • The Father’s house has many rooms / apartments • The New Jerusalem will be a beautiful place - ornate and large - Revelation 21
Coming Again John 14: 3 • The emphasis is that they would be with Him in Heaven - a comforting promise to all who believe in Jesus • A beautiful place has little value if it is filled with the ungodly (See Proverbs 21: 19; Psalm 55; etc. ).
Coming Again John 14: 3 • A comfort in grief is the promise of being with the loved ones again when Jesus returns
The Way to the Father John 14: 4
A Confused Disciple John 14: 5 • Thomas’ question is similar to Peter’s in 13: 36. Where are you going? What is the way to get there? • Though somewhat veiled, Jesus had talked to them about this before - John 8: 19; 10: 7 -18; 12: 26, 36, 44 -50
A Clear Statement John 14: 6 • The articles distinguish Jesus’ identity as they only means to come to the Father • I am THE truth, THE way, THE life, no one comes to the Father but through Me
Jesus is The Way • (o. Jdov. V / odos) Jesus is the means to a destination • He was: ØA teacher (Mark 12: 14) ØA guide (Luke 1: 79) ØAn example (John 13: 15)
Jesus is The Way • More than a teacher, guide or example, Jesus is THE WAY to God, for only He can cleanse you from sin
Jesus is The Truth • Truth (a. Jlhvqeia / alētheia) is what conforms to actual reality • Jesus is the final reality Colossians 1: 14 -17; Hebrews 1: 3; 6: 18; Psalm 31: 5 • Post-modern society is so full of lies it that it cannot discern truth and denies that truth can be
Jesus is The Truth • Truth sanctifies, guides and sets you free (John 8: 32; 17: 17) – Ø Those seeking truth will find Jesus Christ
Jesus is The Life • . zwhv /zōā - the principle of continuing life, not biology (biov. V /bios) or breath (pneu: ma / pneuma)
Jesus is The Life • Life is in Jesus (John 1: 4; 5: 26), • He is the source of life (John 3: 16; 10: 28: 11: 25), • He is the light of life (John 8: 12), • He is the word of life (John 6: 28), • He gives life abundantly (John 10: 10) • Life grants communion with God
Jesus is The Life • This life does not give promises of protection from all trouble or provide for selfish desires • This life is in contrast to being dead in sin (Romans 6). Its purpose is to make you like Christ in righteousness (Romans 8: 29)
Jesus is The Life • This life becomes more mature through troubles and trials, expects to be persecuted, & is chastened by God • This life is one of godliness and joy that transcends all circumstances finding comfort in the promises of Jesus
Jesus is the Only Way to God the Father • It is an absolute truth that NO ONE comes to God the Father except through Jesus Christ • The world hates Biblical Christianity because of the exclusiveness of Jesus’ claim
Jesus is the Only Way to God the Father • Sin, selfishness and pride block people from knowing the truth, finding the way and receiving life in Christ
• We proclaim salvation in Christ seeking to rescue people from their sinking ships - regardless of cost to us • What will your final destination be? ØSafe on Heaven’s shores? ØOr lost forever?
Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
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